# Exploring Prototype PCB Manufacturing in Europe with Eurocircuits' Dirk Stans

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2023-11-28
- Length: 13m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-28-exploring-prototype-pcb-manufacturing-in-europe-with-eurocircuits-dirk-stans

## Summary

Dirk Stans, co-founder of Eurocircuits, explains how his company of 500+ employees maintains a competitive edge in European prototype PCB manufacturing by focusing on agility and custom data handling rather than volume. He details the necessity of in-house software development to manage complex CAM processes and the strategic decision to distribute production across Belgium, Germany, Hungary, and India to mitigate local talent shortages. Stans argues that without government intervention to level the playing field against subsidized Asian competitors, the European PCB industry faces an existential threat due to inherent cost handicards related to labor and regulation.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-28-exploring-prototype-pcb-manufacturing-in-europe-with-eurocircuits-dirk-stans#t=8) Introduction to Eurocircuits and Business Model
- [3:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-28-exploring-prototype-pcb-manufacturing-in-europe-with-eurocircuits-dirk-stans#t=198) Agile Manufacturing and In-House Software Development
- [5:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-28-exploring-prototype-pcb-manufacturing-in-europe-with-eurocircuits-dirk-stans#t=303) Global Production Strategy and Talent Recruitment
- [7:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-28-exploring-prototype-pcb-manufacturing-in-europe-with-eurocircuits-dirk-stans#t=456) The Critical Nature of PCBs vs. Standard Components
- [9:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-28-exploring-prototype-pcb-manufacturing-in-europe-with-eurocircuits-dirk-stans#t=572) Political Intervention and Cost Competitiveness in Europe

## Topics

- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Productronica 2023 (other)
- Adeon Technologies (company)
- Koh Young (company)
- Global Electronics Association (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview with Laen - Purple PCB Philosophy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-06-12-an-interview-with-laen-purple-pcb-philosophy) (The Amp Hour)
- [Inside PCBAA's Fight for American Circuit Board Manufacturing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-07-30-inside-pcbaas-fight-for-american-circuit-board-manufacturing) (OnTrack)
- [The Future of PCB Manufacturing: Tariffs, Supply Chains & More](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-04-18-the-future-of-pcb-manufacturing-tariffs-supply-chains-more) (OnTrack)
- [407: Boards Are Like Sandwiches](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-03-24-407-boards-are-like-sandwiches) (Embedded.fm)
- [CircuitHub, 12 Years Later with Andrew Seddon](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-08-01-circuithub-12-years-later-with-andrew-seddon) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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